Cargo retainer device

Abstract

A cargo retainer device and method adapted for mounting within a cargo container having an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor. The cargo retainer device is adapted to be interposed between cargo in the container and either the end wall, sidewall, or the floor to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit. The cargo container includes a first extension member, a second extension member perpendicularly oriented to the first extension member, and screw threads to facilitate an increase in the first and second extension member lengths to contact against the respective container walls and floor. A lockable element secures the screw threads on the first extension member to restrict theft of the cargo retainer device from the container and addition of a cargo divider assembly can further prevent cargo movement.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method of retaining cargo in a cargo container that has an end wall, an opposite parallel pivoted end wall defining a container length therebetween, two opposite parallel side walls defining a container width therebetween, and a floor, wherein the cargo container is larger than the cargo for the purpose of inhibiting movement of the cargo during transit, comprising the steps of: 
       (a) providing a cargo retainer device including a first extension member with a means to facilitate movement for length extension and a second extension member with a means to facilitate movement for length extension, said second extension member has an affixed connection to said first extension member and extends perpendicularly therefrom;  
       (b) placing cargo in the cargo container to be adjacent to one of said walls of the container;  
       (c) positioning said cargo retainer device within the cargo container to be interposed between cargo placed in the container for shipment and one of said walls which is not adjacent to the cargo, to inhibit movement of the cargo during transit;  
       (d) mounting said cargo retainer device within the cargo container by manually rotating a threaded sleeve and an anti slip element in combination to facilitate movement for length extension of said first extension member between the parallel side walls such that said first extension member is approximately perpendicular to the parallel side walls, wherein said first extension member expands in length with said anti slip element deforming and providing increased frictional resistance between said threaded sleeve and one of said walls to better secure said first extension member against the parallel side walls;  
       (e) engaging said second extension member by manually rotating a threaded sleeve and an anti slip element in combination to facilitate movement for length extension of said second extension member with said second extension member anti slip element deforming and providing increased frictional resistance between said second extension member threaded sleeve and the cargo container floor to better secure said second extension member to engage the cargo container floor.  
     
     
       2. A method of retaining cargo in a cargo container according to  claim 1  further including a step of locking a lockable element into a locked state, said lockable element is adapted to engage said means to facilitate movement for said first extension member to a selected length to contact the parallel side walls, wherein said lockable element in a locked state prevents said cargo retainer device against unauthorized removal from the cargo container. 
     
     
       3. A method of retaining cargo in a cargo container according to  claim 1  further including a step of engaging a cargo divider assembly that is adapted to engage said first extension member such that a cargo divider assembly extension is approximately perpendicular to said first extension member, wherein said cargo divider assembly acts to retain cargo in an axis parallel to said first extension member. 
     
     
       4. A method of retaining cargo in a cargo container according to  claim 1  further including a step of attaching a cargo net that is adapted to attach to said first extension member and said second extension member, said cargo net positioned to act as a retention barrier in-between opposing cargo container walls. 
     
     
       5. A method of retaining cargo in a cargo container according to  claim 1  further including a step of repeating said steps (a) through (e) in a sequential manner for an additional cargo retainer device to be mounted within a cargo container.